Windows XP: The Color Schemes That Never Were

If you're wondering why Windows XP is shipping with only three color schemes—blue, silver, and olive green—the answer is that Microsoft simply ran out of time to create more. One of the big complaints that Microsoft received from testers about XP beta 2 was that the Luna UI needs more color options. So, Microsoft set out to create several color schemes. However, the original versions of two such schemes—ruby and emerald—proved problematic for the vision-impaired. These two schemes will probably be available in the Plus! pack or perhaps for download from Windows Update when XP ships this fall. If you're unhappy with Luna's default colors, fear not: You'll soon have a rainbow of options from which to choose.